INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS AT FAR EAST RAND HOSPITAL AS PATIENTS SLEEP ON CHAIRS

I am very distressed about the report today about patients sleeping in chairs and on stretchers in the corridors at the Far East Rand Hospital (see Times report).

This overcrowding is totally unacceptable. It puts terrible strain on staff and patients, and is a hygiene hazard that adds to the risk of patients infecting other patients with their illnesses.

This hospital has had a poor reputation because of medical negligence cases. This includes the R2.8 million damages award by a court after Tembisa Kometsi, a young child, had her legs amputated because of medical negligence.

I have had other complaints about bad staff attitudes towards patients at this hospital.

The intolerable conditions at this hospital must be rectified as soon as possible.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, November 23 2013

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